County of Lackawanna Transit System


The County of Lackawanna Transit System is the operator of public transport for the city of Scranton urban area and its surrounding area of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. It began operations in 1972, largely using routes established by predecessor Scranton Transit.

Routes

The COLTS system operates 36 distinct routes. Each route may operate at different times, other than weekdays.
Most routes depart from the Lackawanna Transit Center on Lackawanna Avenue, near the Mall at Steamtown, in Downtown Scranton.
COLTS operates a mix of Gillig branded buses in the Phantom, Advantage and BRT models, in 30 and 35 foot lengths. In addition, some smaller, cutaway style vans perform service on lower patronized routes.

Connections to other agencies

COLTS bus service connects to conventional Luzerne County Transportation Authority bus service at West Pittston, Old Forge, and Mohegan Sun Casino. In addition, less frequent with LCTA meet up with COLTS buses at the Wyoming Street transfer center near the Mall at Steamtown weekdays and Saturdays.
On Lackawanna Avenue, at the Lackawanna Transit Center, COLTS service connects with Greyhound Lines, Martz Trailways, New York Trailways, and Fullington Trailways.

Criticism

Ban on religious-based content

In 2013, after NEPA Freethought Society spent 18 months attempting to advertise their group, which used the word "Atheists", COLTS denied his request, calling it, "Too controversial". After trying again with a similar advertisement, COLTS responded by revising their advertising policy to reject all forms of religion-based advertisements. As COLTS had previously allowed several churches, a political candidate, and a blog that focused on anti-Semitism, holocaust denial, and white supremacy to all run advertisements in the past, COLTS was subsequently sued, in order to remove the ban.